Court sets date for hearing of defamation suit involving VDM and Falana
An Ikeja High Court has set February 19, 2025, for the hearing of a preliminary objection filed by Martins Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman (VDM), in response to a defamation suit filed against him by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, Folarin (Falz).
The suit was triggered by an audio recording from cross-dresser Bobrisky, which alleged a perversion of justice by Falana and his son. Following the recording, VDM, represented by his lawyer Marvin Omorogbe, filed a preliminary objection, challenging both the suit’s competence and the court’s jurisdiction.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Omorogbe informed the court that the plaintiffs had submitted a counter-affidavit in response to his objection, which he only received on Wednesday. He requested additional time to respond, and the plaintiffs’ counsel, Omotade Omotunbosun, did not oppose the request for an adjournment.
Judge Matthias Dawodu then adjourned the matter to February 19, 2025, for the hearing, emphasizing the importance of the case.
In the preliminary objection, VDM’s counsel argued that the court lacked territorial jurisdiction to hear the suit, citing the provisions of Order 4 Rule 1(4) of the Lagos State High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2019. He pointed out that VDM operates in Abuja and the alleged defamatory statements were also made in Abuja. Consequently, he asked the court to strike out the suit.
This case follows a series of proceedings, including one on November 14, 2024, when the court had adjourned the matter until January 23, 2025, to hear the defamation suit. At that time, counsel for the plaintiffs, Muiz Banire (SAN), confirmed that the originating process had been served to the parties. The case has now been adjourned again, pending further legal arguments.
On October 14, 2024, the court had ordered VDM to remove the alleged defamatory video posted on September 24, 2024, from his social media platforms, after an ex parte application was filed by Falana and his son against VDM’s actions.
